Cardiovascular Patents (Class 600/481)
  • Patent number: 10709341
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for assessing, treating, and for developing new treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) values and/or cardiac output (CO) estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS II S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Jason White, Ralph Jordan, John Erik Moore, Jay Yadav
  • Patent number: 10682063
    Abstract: A system and method for blood pressure signal acquisition using a pressure sensor array. A solution is provided for a non-inflatable, non-invasive, continuous blood pressure waveform and blood pressure acquisition system. The system is operative to combine signals from various sensing elements where the less accurate sensor elements are calibrated utilizing the more accurate sensor elements. Blood pressure measurements are acquired using very sensitive pressure sensors that detect slight pressure changes through the skin, which are sampled and processed to yield a blood pressure signal, which is processed to yield actual systolic and diastolic continuous and or intermittent blood pressure readings. By sampling and detecting the signal in each of the sensors, the sensor that is best placed on the target artery is found and the signals from that sensor is used to weight the signals from other sensors based on signal quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: LIVEMETRIC (MEDICAL) S.A.
    Inventors: Nir Efraim Joseph Tal, Tomer Bentzion
  • Patent number: 10663495
    Abstract: An averaging unit includes: a plurality of sensor connectors to which current sensors are detachably connected; an averager that generates an averaged signal for at least two detection voltage signals outputted from the current sensors connected to the sensor connectors; and an outputter that outputs the averaged signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: HIOKI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoichiro Takeuchi, Hajime Yoda
  • Patent number: 10660788
    Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid in the vas deferens in order to obtain a controlled male contraception. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow vas deferens, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the vas deferens. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the vas deferens, or for actively moving the fluid in the vas deferens, with a low risk of injuring the organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 10646646
    Abstract: Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Alfred E. Mann Found. For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Lawrence Scott Ring, Peter C. Lord, Scott R. Gibson, Sam W. Bowman, Brian M. Shelton
  • Patent number: 10632240
    Abstract: A ventricular assist device incorporating a rotary pump configured to be in fluid communication with a heart and systemic circulation of a subject to assist blood flow from the heart to the systemic circulation. The device includes a pump drive circuit for applying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrogram signals (such as subcutaneous pre-cordial electrode signals) in the patient, and a signal processing circuit to determine the presence or absence of a reduction in cardiac blood flow, ischemic condition or myocardial infarction condition based on subcutaneous pre-cordial electrode signals, to control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit, and to operate the pump in either a normal sinus rhythm mode in the absence of an ischemic condition or myocardial infarction condition, or a modified mode of operation in the presence of an ischemic condition or myocardial infarction condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: HeartWare, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry M. Yomtov
  • Patent number: 10596307
    Abstract: A blood pump incorporating a rotary pump such as a rotary impeller pump implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle and an artery to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The device may include a pump drive circuit supplying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrophysiological signals such as subcutaneous, pre-cordial ECG signals and a signal processing circuit connected to the sensors and to the pump drive circuit. The signal processing circuit is operative to detect the sensor signals and control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit so that the pump may run in a normal sinus rhythm mode, with a varying speed synchronized with the cardiac cycle. When an ischemic or myocardial infarction condition is detected, the pump drive circuit may also run the pump in an ischemia or myocardial infarction mode different from the normal sinus rhythm mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: HeartWare, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry M. Yomtov
  • Patent number: 10566151
    Abstract: An item such as a fabric-based item may have one or more input devices. The input devices may have terminals that are electrically coupled to control circuitry. The control circuitry may make resistance measurements, capacitance measurements, and other measurements on the input devices to determine whether the input devices have been pressed by a user's finger or have otherwise received input. The input devices may be used to form an array of switches for a keyboard, may form buttons on an electronic device housing or case, may be part of an item of clothing, or may be incorporated into other items such as fabric-based items. The input devices may have collapsible fabric structures such as collapsible fabric domes. The terminals of the input devices may be formed from conductive strands of material in the fabric domes or may be supported by other structures that buckle under applied pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Xiaopeng Wang, Siddhartha Hegde, Daniel D. Sunshine, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 10512427
    Abstract: A bladder fullness level of a patient may be determined based on a frequency of mechanical oscillations of the bladder of the patient. The bladder may mechanically oscillate in response to the occurrence of non-micturition contractions of the bladder of the patient, which are contractions not associated with urine release. The frequency at which the bladder oscillates, e.g., following a non-micturition contraction, may have a correlation to the bladder fullness level. In some examples, a medical device may be configured to control the delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to the patient based on the oscillation frequency of the bladder. In addition, or instead to controlling therapy based on the oscillation frequency of the bladder, a notification, such as a patient or patient caretaker notification, may be generated (e.g., automatically by a processor of a device) based on the oscillation frequency of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Keith A. Miesel
  • Patent number: 10506932
    Abstract: A vascular viscoelasticity evaluation device and method in which, a pulse wave obtained using a cuff is subjected to first derivation, a positive amplitude peak value Vf1 that occurs first and a negative amplitude peak value Vr2 that occurs second out of a plurality of negative amplitude peak values are detected in a state in which an external force substantially the same as or greater than the systolic blood pressure has been exerted on a blood vessel, and a ratio of the positive amplitude peak value Vf1 that occurs first to the negative amplitude peak value Vr2 that occurs second is calculated, and then the vascular viscoelasticity is evaluated on the basis of this calculated ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: Shisei Datum Co., Ltd., RIKEN
    Inventors: Yukiyoshi Saito, Ryutaro Himeno, Shu Takagi, Fuyou Liang
  • Patent number: 10499827
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for measuring the cognitive state of an individual by combining analysis of 2 independent quantities derived from a single sensor. The method comprises placing an array of electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors in contact with the individual. The sensors continually measure the ECG voltages and signal-to-noise ratios from each ECG. A distance to sensor and pressure applied to sensor our calculated for each ECG sensor that corresponds to the ECG voltage and signal-to-noise ratio measurements from each respective ECG sensor. Next, a graphical distance and pressure map is generated based on the combined signal-to-noise ratios of the ECG sensors and continually analyzed to determine the cognitive state of the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Zdenek Moravek, David Kunes, Lukas Maly
  • Patent number: 10504286
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for anonymizing neuromuscular signals used to generate a musculoskeletal representation. The method comprises recording, using a plurality of neuromuscular sensors arranged on one or more wearable devices, a plurality of neuromuscular signals from a user, providing as input to a trained statistical model, the plurality of neuromuscular signals and/or information based on the plurality of neuromuscular signals; and generating, the musculoskeletal representation based, at least in part, on an output of the trained statistical model, wherein the musculoskeletal representation is an anonymized musculoskeletal representation from which at least one personal characteristic of the user has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: CTRL-labs Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Kaifosh, Tudor Giurgica-Tiron, Steven Kober, Adam Al-natsheh, Alexandre Barachant
  • Patent number: 10492473
    Abstract: A system for monitoring vital signs of a pet animal comprises an annular band, an accelerometer configured to measure at least one of resting patterns, activity patterns, movement patterns, position patterns relating to, for example the pet animal relieving itself, lameness and scratching, and a non-accelerometer sensor configured to measure at least one of the following non-accelerometer-measured bioparameters of the pet animal: temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate. One or more processors are configured to receive sensor output data and reference data concerning the measured bioparameters of the pet animal or of a population of the pet animal, and determine a suspicion of a specific medical condition by: (i) scoring at least two bioparameters and comparing a cumulative score to a threshold cumulative score or to a threshold cumulative range; or (ii) identifying an abnormal pattern. The processor(s) may send an alert if at least one specific medical condition is suspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: PETPACE LTD.
    Inventors: Avi Menkes, Asaf Dagan
  • Patent number: 10398327
    Abstract: A method is provided for non-contact cardiac assessment of a subject. Images of the subject are captured from at least two synchronized independent imaging devices spaced equidistant from the subject and positioned such that each imaging device captures an image of the subject different from other imaging devices. Spectral components of the captured images are extracted. The extracted spectral components are analyzed. A signal corresponding to cardiac information is identified in the extracted spectral components. The identified signal corresponding to the cardiac information is extracted from the extracted spectral components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Justin R. Estepp, Ethan B. Blackford, Christopher M. Meier
  • Patent number: 10390761
    Abstract: Provided is a device which can utilize a motion sensor installed in a mobile device. A smartphone includes a motion sensor and a controller. The motion sensor detects a motion factor. The controller processes the motion factor detected by the motion sensor as a self-control factor. The controller can process the motion factor detected by the motion sensor as a vital-sign factor of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromi Ajima
  • Patent number: 10368753
    Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a system and method for determining cardiac events. The system and method include using an imaging modality to obtain a cardiac image of the subject. The image is then used to determine the subject's systolic, post-systolic, and early diastolic strain peaks. Additionally, a strain rate index (SRI) value is computed for the subject using the systolic, post-systolic, and early diastolic strain peaks. The SRI value can then be used to determine a level of risk of cardiac failure. Further, a likelihood of atrial fibrillation can also be determined. The SRI value and risk of cardiac event can then be used to create a treatment plan for the subject, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Bharath Ambale Venkatesh, Anderson Armstrong, Joao A. C. Lima, Chia-Ying Liu, Boaz D. Rosen
  • Patent number: 10368808
    Abstract: Embodiments describe a method of determining etiology of undiagnosed events comprising monitoring electrocardiogram signals and blood pressure of a patient via a medical device, capturing one or more of an ECG segment and a BP reading in response to a triggering event, classifying one or more of the ECG segment and BP reading as normal or abnormal, and determining etiology of undiagnosed symptomatic events based on the classification. Embodiments further describe a medical device comprising sensors for monitoring ECG signals and BP of a patient, circuitry for capturing one or more of ECG segments and BP readings of a patient in response to a triggering event, and a processor for communicating one of more of captured ECG segments and captured BP readings to a remote monitoring center directly or indirectly where the captured ECG segments and captured BP readings are classified as normal or abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Monitoring, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian B. Lee, ShaileshKumar V. Musley, Robert W. Stadler, Maneesh Shrivastav, Randal Schulhauser, Stacie Vilendrer
  • Patent number: 10335080
    Abstract: A wearable sensor apparatus comprises a motion sensor configured to sense two or three dimensional movement and orientation of the sensor and a vibration sensor configured to sense acoustic vibrations. The apparatus includes means for attaching the motion sensor and the vibration sensor to a body. The sensor apparatus enables long term monitoring of mechanomyographic muscle activity in combination with body motion for a number of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Imperial Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Ravi Vaidyanathan, Niamh Nowlan, Richard Woodward, Sandra Shefelbine
  • Patent number: 10335081
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for interfacing a time variant waveform between two hardware environments. In one aspect, the invention comprises a circuit for accurately simulating the output of one or more types of sensing device (e.g., passive bridge pressure transducer) for use with a plurality of different monitoring and/or analysis devices, thereby obviating the need for specialized interface circuitry adapted to each different monitor/analyzer. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing device comprises a non-invasive blood pressure monitor (NIBPM), which universally interfaces with prior art patient monitors via the interface circuit of the invention. In a second aspect of the invention, an improved NIBPM device incorporating the interface circuit is disclosed. An improved disconnect circuit adapted to sense the status of the electrical connection between the sensing device and monitor is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: United States GTM Medical Devices
    Inventor: Ronald S. Conero
  • Patent number: 10307131
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing the severity of plaque and/or stenotic lesions using contrast distribution predictions and measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: HeartFlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Taylor, Leo Grady, Sethuraman Sankaran, Souma Sengupta, Hyun Jin Kim, Nan Xiao
  • Patent number: 10299690
    Abstract: An electronic device for measuring biometric information is provided. The electronic device includes a sensor unit configured to detect an attitude of the electronic device, a biometric information measurement unit configured to detect biometric information on an examinee through a plurality of electrodes formed on at least one surface of the electronic device, a switch unit including a plurality of switches electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes and a controller configured to recognize an array of the plurality of electrodes based on the detected attitude of the electronic device and control the switch unit such that the recognized electrode array corresponds to a preset electrode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ah-Young Choi, Young-Hyun Kim, Seong-Wook Jo, Jin-Hong Min
  • Patent number: 10271739
    Abstract: This invention is directed to devices and methods for assessing a patient. The devices have at least one impedance measuring element functionally connected to a programmable element, programmed to analyze an impedance measurement, and to provide an assessment of at least one respiratory parameter of the patient. Preferably the device includes electronics which aid in calibration, signal acquisition, conditioning, and filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Respiratory Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Jenny E Freeman, Michael Lalli, Alex Mattfolk, Alexander Panasyuk, Charles Jahnke, Nathaniel Steiger, Svetlana V Panasyuk, Arvil Nagpal, James F Toy, IV, Roman Bokhenik, Anita Karcz
  • Patent number: 10271824
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a device for analyzing a rectum gas discharge. The device comprises a central bag, a peripheral bag, and an electronic unit. The central bag comprises a gas inlet and a gas outlet on directionally opposite ends of a central bag surface. The peripheral bag is housed in a container and radially encapsulates the central bag. The electronic unit comprises a pressure sensor and a connector for further connecting a monitoring unit. The pressure sensor is attached over a surface of the peripheral bag. The central bag is attached to an anal canal of a patient and expands on ingestion of discharged rectal gas from the anal canal. The peripheral bag expands with the central bag resulting in activation of the pressure sensor to measure a gas collected in the central bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Nooshin Jalili
  • Patent number: 10271751
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the blood pressure of a patient, comprising the following steps: determining a pulse arrival time signal from the patient 2 based on the pulse wave velocity method; determining an accelerometer signal from the patient 2; and triggering an additional measure or deriving a blood pressure value, taking into account the pulse arrival time signal and a DC component of the accelerometer signal. In this way, a possibility for monitoring the blood pressure of a patient is provided with which false alarms and/or unnecessary additional cuff-based blood pressure measurements can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jens Muhlsteff, Geert Guy Georges Morren, Xavier Louis Marie Antoine Aubert
  • Patent number: 10213159
    Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn vital sign monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling) and posture (upright, supine). The monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs and associated alarms/alerts by motion-related artifacts. It also features a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on a touchpanel display that facilitates a number of features to simplify and improve patient monitoring and safety in both the hospital and home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Moon, Gunnar Trommer, Caroline DiBattista
  • Patent number: 10206587
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain images in a time series including images of a blood vessel of a subject and correlation information indicating a correlational relationship between physical indices of the blood vessel and function indices of the blood vessel related to vascular hemodynamics, calculate blood vessel morphology indices in a time series indicating morphology of the blood vessel of the subject, on a basis of the images in the time series, and identify a function index of the blood vessel of the subject, by using a physical index of the blood vessel of the subject obtained from the blood vessel morphology indices, on a basis of the correlation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kano, Kenji Hirohata, Junichiro Ooga, Mitsuaki Kato, Takuya Hongo, Akihiro Goryu, Shigeo Kaminaga, Yasuko Fujisawa, Satoshi Wakai, Yoshihiro Ikeda, Kazumasa Arakita
  • Patent number: 10206626
    Abstract: A biosignal measurement and transmission apparatus having a simplified signal slot as provided is configurable for receiving signals from a biosignal detection apparatus and a biosignal detection correction unit and for performing signal transfer and analysis operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Chuen Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 10201285
    Abstract: A cuff of a blood pressure measurement device compresses a measurement site by being wrapped therearound. A control unit evaluates the wrapping strength of the cuff, by comparing a detection amount detected based on the output of a sensor with a history of the detection amount stored in the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukiya Sawanoi, Shingo Yamashita, Toshiaki Yuasa
  • Patent number: 10136813
    Abstract: An information display and control system that enables a fast and easy understanding and management of the status of the patient's cardiovascular and ventilation systems is disclosed. The system can control administration and management of a patient's medication and fluids. The display is organized by goals related to management of patient's cardiovascular system, ventilation system, and medications and fluids administration and management. Such goals include hemodynamics, oxygenation, CO2 removal, medication status, and fluids status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Yasser A. Sowb
  • Patent number: 10130624
    Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical composition consisting of (a) benazepril, in free or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form; and (b) amlodipine, in free or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. The composition is free of alkali and alkaline earth metal carbonates and phosphates. The composition is also free of excipients which increase the pH of microenvironment above 5. It is therefore not required to physically separate the two drugs from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: LUPIN LIMITED
    Inventors: Veena Vithalapuram, Vijaya Kumar Thommandru, Himadri Sen
  • Patent number: 10098555
    Abstract: A biological information measurement apparatus capable of improving the SN ratio of a photoplethysmographic signal by reducing stray light in detection light that reaches a light-receiving unit from a light-emitting unit is provided. A biological information measurement apparatus includes a light-emitting unit that irradiates a finger, a light-receiving unit that receives and photoelectrically converts light transmitted through or reflected by the finger and outputs a photoplethysmographic signal, and a processing unit that obtains biological information on the basis of the photoplethysmographic signal. The light-emitting and light-receiving units are disposed, in plan view in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the emitted light or the received light, such that a line passing through the centers of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit is slanted relative to a lengthwise direction of the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamaji, Hirofumi Tsuchimoto
  • Patent number: 10070839
    Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a system for implementing a rule derived basis to display volumetric image sets. In various embodiments of the invention, the selection of the images to be displayed, the generation of the 3-D volumetric image from measured 2-D images including the rendering parameters and styles, the choice of viewing directions and 2-D projection images based on the viewing directions, the layout of the projection images, and the formation of a video can be determined using a rule derived basis. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with sequential images making up a video displayed based on their preferences without having to first manually adjust parameters. The present invention allows for novel ways of viewing such images to detect microcalcifications and obstructions when reviewing Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and other volumetric mammography images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: PME IP PTY LTD
    Inventors: Malte Westerhoff, Detlev Stalling
  • Patent number: 10064560
    Abstract: A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection includes an interface for receiving digitized electrical signals representing blood pressure waveforms over one or more heart beat cycles. The digitized electrical signals comprise, a first digital data sequence representing normal blood pressure of a patient, a second digital data sequence representing random blood pressure of a normal patient and a third digital data sequence representing a potentially abnormal blood pressure of a patient. A complexity processor calculates first, second and third complexity indices for the corresponding first, second and third digital data sequences respectively. A correlation processor uses the calculated first, second and third complexity indices to calculate one or more measures indicating deviation of the potentially abnormal blood pressure of the patient from a normal value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 10057505
    Abstract: A method for operating a full-body image capturing and image processing system, comprising at least the method steps of: capturing digital images of a body to be examined; creating at least one combined image from at least two different images; identifying skin surface of the body to be examined in the images and/or combined images; identifying predefined segments of the identified skin surface in the images and/or combined images; identifying skin regions that show reddening or scabbing in the images and/or combined images; calculating the proportional area of the identified skin region per segment; determining a degree of reddening of the skin surface, the degree of scabbing of the skin surface and a degree of curvature of the skin surface in the identified skin regions per segment; calculating one segment value each; calculating a weighted total value; outputting the total value and/or the segment values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: FOTOFINDER SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Mayer
  • Patent number: 10034612
    Abstract: A biological state estimating apparatus includes a pair of electrocardiographic electrodes, a photoplethysmographic sensor, and a controller that includes a peak detecting section, a pulse transmission time measuring section, a correlation information storing section, and a biological state estimating section. The electrocardiographic electrodes detect an electrocardiogram signal and the photoplethysmographic sensor, which has light-emitting and light-receiving elements, detects a photoplethysmogram signal. The controller detects peaks of the electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram signals and determines a pulse transmission time from the time difference between the respective peaks of the photoplethysmogram and the electrocardiogram signal. Memory stores information determined in advance based on the relationship between pulse transmission time and biological state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignees: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., FATIGUE SCIENCE LABORATORY INC.
    Inventors: Toru Shimuta, Hirohiko Kuratsune, Yasuyoshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9996663
    Abstract: A system, a method and a recording medium for calculating a physiological index are provided. The method includes: dividing a physiological data sequence into a plurality of windows; analyzing a data segment in each window to obtain metadata that represents data characteristics of the data segment; updating the metadata including the data characteristics of all data segments in the windows up to a previous window by using the metadata corresponding to one of the windows to obtain the metadata including the data characteristics of all data segments in the windows up to a current window; and finally, calculating the physiological index by using the updated metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chuan-Wei Ting, Ching-Yao Wang
  • Patent number: 9987182
    Abstract: A system for determining a location of a patient on a hospital bed comprising: at least one deformation sensor adapted to generate a signal indicative of a deformation of a frame of the bed; a location determination unit for determining a lateral and/or longitudinal location of the patient based on the deformation of the frame. A method for monitoring an exit of a patient from a hospital bed comprising: determining a patient location on the bed based on measured deformation and generating an alarm signal if the determined location is outside a predetermined area. A weight sensing system for a hospital bed having a base with a suspended frame suspended from a fixed frame comprising: a load sensor connecting the suspended frame and the fixed frame via a suspension member which is unsecured from the fixed frame to allow free vertical movement of the suspended frame relative to the fixed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: UMANO MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Guy Lemire, Richard Labbe, Jimmy Laflamme, Sylvain Lacasse, Steve Bolduc, Luc Landry, Jean-Philippe Beaudet
  • Patent number: 9968301
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring biopotential signals in biomedical devices. The disclosure provides a mixed signal background calibration that stabilizes the time-varying coupling gain between the body and an electrode due to motion artifacts. The calibration technique involves a low-level test signal in the form of a one-bit pseudorandom bit-sequence that is injected through a reference electrode to the body, detected by the sensing electrode and recorded along with the bio signals. A digital algorithm is employed in the backend to identify the acquisition channel characteristics while maintaining its normal operation of recording. Programmable gain stages in analog or digital domain(s) can be used to stabilize the overall gain of the channel. The disclosed technique is in the background and not interfering with the normal recording operation(s), and provides continuous monitoring of the ETI and continuous correction of the ensuing channel characteristic degradation due to the ETI variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Yun Chiu, Jingyi Song
  • Patent number: 9962126
    Abstract: A pulse wave detection apparatus detects a signal, and calculates a correlation coefficient between waveforms of the signal included in a first window and a second window having a predetermined duration, the correlation coefficient being smaller when a difference between dispersion of the amplitude value in the first window and dispersion of the amplitude value in the second window becomes larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuho Maeda, Masato Sakata, Daisuke Uchida, Akihiro Inomata
  • Patent number: 9949696
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for calculating cardiac output (CO) of a living subject using applanation tonometry measurements. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods build a nonlinear mathematical model to correlate physiologic source data vectors to target CO values. The source data vectors include one or more measurable or derivable parameters such as: systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, beat-to-beat interval, mean arterial pressure, maximal slope of the pressure rise during systole, the area under systolic part of the pulse pressure wave, gender (male or female), age, height and weight. The target CO values are acquired using various methods, across a plurality of individuals. Multidimensional nonlinear optimization is then used to find a mathematical model which transforms the source data to the target CO data. The model is then applied to an individual by acquiring physiologic data for the individual and applying the model to the collected data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TENSYS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Goedje, Matthias Bohn, Patrick Hunziker, Oleksii Morozov, Felix Friedrich
  • Patent number: 9943316
    Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a vessel pressure control device configured for selectively applying pressure to a radial artery, the device comprising: a sensor configured to sense one or more parameters associated with blood flow through a portion of the radial artery; a pressure application element adapted to apply variable amounts of pressure to the portion of the radial artery; and a controller configured to apply logic and generate a signal to control the pressure application element in response to the one or more measured parameters, the signal controlling the pressure application element to modify or maintain the applied pressure so that at least some blood flow is maintained through the radial artery portion in an amount sufficient to reduce or prevent radial artery occlusion, and so that the applied pressure is sufficient to prevent bleeding from the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MOR RESEARCH APPLICATION LTD.
    Inventors: Ran Kornowski, Hana Vaknin Assa
  • Patent number: 9931515
    Abstract: A powered case is provided that includes a case, configured to hold an electroactive medical device with an integrated battery; an energizing system, configured to provide electric energy; and an energy transfer system, configured to receive energy from the energizing system; and to transfer the received energy to the integrated battery of the electroactive medical device. Further, a medical device system is provided that can include an electroactive medical device, including an integrated battery; and a powered case, including a case, configured to hold the electroactive medical device with the integrated battery; an energizing system, configured to provide electric energy; and an energy transfer system, configured to receive energy from the energizing system; and to transfer the received energy to the integrated battery of the electroactive medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: John Alfred Campin, Michael F. Mattes
  • Patent number: 9925894
    Abstract: A method for customizing a vehicular massage function includes providing massage element indicia, creating massage subroutines using the massage element indicia, selecting a vehicle that includes a seat having a massage element configuration, placing the massage subroutines in communication with the vehicle, adapting the massage subroutines to be compatible with the massage element configuration and activating the seat to perform at least one massage subroutine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeroen Lem, Brian Boland, Amber LaVerne Hall
  • Patent number: 9895080
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of changes in impedance a patient that includes generating measured impedances, generating an adaptive baseline trend of the measured impedances corresponding to a first time period, generating a short term trend of the measured impedances corresponding to a second time period less than the first time period, determining changes in relative position of the short term trend and the baseline trend, the determined changes in relative position corresponding to determining intersecting of the baseline trend by the short term trend, determining differences between the baseline trend and calculated period average impedances, and accumulating, in response to determining no intersecting of the baseline trend by the short term trend, the determined differences between the baseline trend and the calculated period average impedances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stadler, Li Wang
  • Patent number: 9867579
    Abstract: Provided are a method of assisting monitoring alarm method and a medical external equipment and a medical host equipment using the method. A technical scheme thereof comprises connecting the medical external equipment with the medical host equipment through an interface, wherein the medical external equipment forms a plug-and-play external alarm equipment. The medical host equipment performs self-check, and sends an alarm information to an auxiliary alarm device of the medical external equipment and generates a corresponding alarm when an alarm device in the medical host equipment works abnormally, thereby reducing a risk to the medical host equipment in the situation that the alarm device in the medical host equipment is in failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Edan Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruhai Zheng, Aijun Chen
  • Patent number: 9861311
    Abstract: A medical device including a probe configured to be orally inserted into a lumen extending into the thorax of the subject, a plurality of electrodes, and a control circuit. The probe includes a first electrode. The plurality of electrodes includes at least one second electrode and at least one third electrode configured to be disposed externally on the thorax of the subject on a first side of a sternum of the subject and a second side of the sternum of the subject, respectively, the second side opposite the first side. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the at least one second and third electrodes and configured to measure an impedance between the first electrode and each of the at least one second and third electrodes and determine a ratio of arterial blood volume relative to venous blood volume based upon the measured impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary A. Freeman, Ulrich Herken, Christopher L. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 9861287
    Abstract: Featured are methods, apparatus and devices for detecting a hematoma in tissue of a patient. In one aspect, such a method includes emitting near infrared light continuously into the tissue from a non-stationary near infrared light emitter and continuously monitoring the tissue using a non-stationary probe so as to continuously detect reflected light. The near infrared light is emitted at two distances from a brain of the patient, so the emitted light penetrates to two different depths. Such a method also includes applying a ratiometric analysis to the reflected light to distinguish a border between normal tissue and tissue exhibiting blood accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Jason D. Riley, Franck Amyot, Amir H. Gandjbakhche, James G. Smirniotopoulos, Eric Wassermann
  • Patent number: 9848386
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for implementing two-way communication between at least first and second devices comprises steps of: (a1) during finite time periods following transmission of respective first messages from the first device to the second device, using the first device to listen for second messages transmitted from the second device to first device; and (a2) after each of the finite time periods following the transmission of the respective first messages from the first device to the second device, ceasing to use the first device to listen for second messages transmitted from the second device to the first device until after the first device transmits another first message to the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: LumiraDx UK Ltd
    Inventors: Norbert Ohlenbusch, Joseph Wronski, Paul J. Gaudet, Thomas P. Blackadar, Steven R. Oliver
  • Patent number: 9842401
    Abstract: The present invention relates a segmentation apparatus (10) for interactively segmenting blood vessels (2) in angiographic image data (3). The segmentation apparatus (10) comprises a significant location determining unit (11) for determining one or more locations of a current segmentation (4) of the blood vessels (2) in the angiographic image data (3) as significant locations (5) at which the current segmentation (4) has a predetermined influence on a value of a blood flow parameter that is calculated based on the current segmentation (4), and a display unit (12) for displaying the significant locations (5) to an operator. Thereby, the operator can be guided to focus his/her segmentation efforts to those locations of the current segmentation (4) that are most relevant for the accuracy of the calculation of the value of the blood flow parameter. This may ease the burden on the operator during the segmentation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Sven Prevrhal, Hannes Nickisch, Holger Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9814397
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a body-weight sensing scale includes cardio-based physiological sensing circuitry to detect heart characteristics of a user, and provide outputs indicative of the detected heart characteristics. A processor circuit is arranged with the cardio-based physiological sensing circuitry to process data to provide a noise-reduced cardiogram signal which characterizes functionality/health of the user's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Omer T. Inan, Mozziyar Etemadi, Laurent B. Giovangrandi, Gregory T. Kovacs, Richard M. Wiard